Nokia launches four phones for emerging markets

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Nokia has launched four new mobile devices aimed at emerging markets with pre-tax prices ranging from 50 to 90 euros.

What's interesting about these new launches though is although the first-time buyer audience in young markets has been well publicised and commented on, these four phones are aimed as "replacement purchase" for emerging market consumers looking for a step-up handset, something Nokia describes as a "significant shift".

"People in emerging markets like Africa are increasingly demanding more from their mobile phone - their expectations and demands in terms of functionality and design are similar to people in any other part of the world - they simply have less income at their disposal", says Alex Lambeek, who oversees Nokia's efforts in emerging markets.

The Nokia 2680 slide - Nokia's first slide device for entry markets - is a basic cameraphone that offers an FM radio with recording capability and MP3 ringtones, and "core" features such as an expanded phone book.

The Nokia 7070 Prism is a fashion-led phone that has a "distinctive" folding design with geometric patterns and external light effects, it will offer personalised content, including themes and wallpapers, and MP3-grade ringtones.

The Nokia 1680 classic is apparently Nokia's most affordable cameraphone to date, with a VGA-quality camera and video recording featuring one-touch access for photos and videos.

As well as the new hardware, Nokia also announced Webmobile, a locally hosted mobile email solution exclusively for South Africa due to go live in Q2.